REDS boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes Chelsea's incredible Premiership form is making United look worse than they actually are.

The under-fire Old Trafford side desperately need a victory over Wigan at Old Trafford tonight to cut Chelsea's lead to nine points.

Jose Mourinho's side have established themselves as clear table-toppers on the back of a run which has seen them win 14 of their 16 top-flight outings so far.

Chelsea's only defeat came against United on November 6, since when the Stamford Bridge outfit have not even conceded a goal, let alone dropped a point, leaving United trailing in their wake even though they collected more points than at the comparable stage in four of the last six campaigns.

"We all have a problem because Chelsea's consistent form makes it difficult for us to win the league," said Ferguson.

"If you look at our present points total, it is better than in four of the last six seasons at this time of year.

"In any normal season, most of the teams below Chelsea would think they are doing quite well."